Project Round for AstroChallenge 2018

With regards to the Project Round, do include a written transcript for your video (can be in doc/pdf) and submit the transcript together with your video on Day 0 (1st June 2018) of AstroChallenge. At the end of your transcript, do include the references that you have used for your video.

If you have any queries with regards to AstroChallenge 2018, kindly direct them to astrochallenge@gmail.com and we will respond to you as soon as we can. Furthermore, do keep a lookout on our facebook page for more updates on information pertaining to AC2018.

Regards,
Organising Committee
AstroChallenge 2018

ASTRONOMY CRASH COURSE FOR AC2018

Good news! We are opening up Astronomy Crash Course (happening on Day 0, 1st June 2018) to the astronomy clubs all over Singapore! Feel free to bring your club along to attend lectures conducted by astronomy lecturers from the NUS Physics Department! We have also attached the relevant poster to this email for your reference. The following are the abstracts for the lectures that is going to be held on the day itself:

Cosmology – Dr Cindy Ng (1230 – 1330)

Abstract: Cosmology is the study of the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe. In physics, we study the universe through conducting astronomical observations of the universe’s large-scale structures and dynamics, and developing theories to construct viable cosmological models. This lecture provides an introduction to the Big Bang theory, which is the prevailing cosmological model for the universe. The history and development of the theory will be covered, and some outstanding problems will be discussed.

The Scientific Process in Astronomy – Prof Phil Chan (1345 – 1445)

Abstract: Science sounds so exact but what exactly is Science? Carl Sagan once mentioned that “Science is more than a body of knowledge[1]. It is a way of thinking by humans, a way of skeptically interrogating the Universe with a fine understanding of human fallibility”.[2] Science is indeed a process whereby we arrive at a certain conclusion based on a theoretical framework through the use of the language of mathematics.

[1] we do not distinguish epistemic (invisible) and ontological (visible) knowledge.
[2] “If we are not able to ask skeptical questions, to interrogate those who tell us that something is true, to be skeptical of those in authority, then, we are up for grabs for the next charlatan (political or religious) who comes rambling along.”

The Lifecycle of Stars – Dr Abel Yang (1500 – 1600)

Abstract: We will start from interstellar gas leading into star formation, and build up a star. Then we will look at the physics of a single star before discussing the end stages of a star’s life.

Do encourage your fellow astronomy club members to sign up via the link below:
https://goo.gl/forms/jIcqpcvWvo2j0Fh23

Should you have indicated a lower attendance for Day 0 in the registration form for AstroChallenge 2018, but wish to increase the attendance for Day 0, do send an email to astrochallenge@gmail.com with the expected attendance for your teams on Day 0.

If you have any queries with regards to the Astronomy Crash Course above or AstroChallenge 2018 itself, kindly direct them to astrochallenge@gmail.com and we will respond to you as soon as we can. Furthermore, do keep a lookout on our facebook page for more updates on information pertaining to AC2018.

Regards,
Organising Committee
AstroChallenge 2018

Information Letter & Extension of Registration Deadline

A huge thanks to those who have registered for AstroChallenge 2018! In view of the great response thus far, we will be extending the registration deadline till 11th May 2018. For those of you who have missed the original deadline, please ensure that you have your team’s particulars submitted before 11th May as this will be the final extension. You may find the registration form here.

In addition, the information letter for AC2018 is now available on our website. The information letter includes the finalised questions for project round, and other changes to AstroChallenge 2018. For more information, do refer to it on our website at this link.

A copy of this information letter will also be circulated to all schools in our mailing list within the next few days.

Thank you for your attention and we hope to see you in June on Day 0 for AstroChallenge 2018!

Regards,
Organising Committee
AstroChallenge 2018

Astronomy Crash Course for AC2018

We are pleased to announce that we will be including an Astronomy Crash Course on Day 0 of AC2018. The crash course is offered with the intent to help the participants to prepare for AstroChallenge and impart general knowledge in astronomy. We hope this new initiative would incentivise and encourage schools that have not participated in AstroChallenge previously to do so this year. More information about the Astronomy Crash Couse will be released in the upcoming information letter and nearer to Day 0.

If you have any queries with regards to the Astronomy Crash Course above, kindly direct them to astrochallenge@gmail.com and we will respond to you as soon as we can. Furthermore, do keep a lookout on our facebook page for more updates on information pertaining to AC2018.

INVITATION TO AC2018

We are pleased to invite you to take part in AstroChallenge 2018, Singapore’s largest astronomy competition! Prospective participants may view the Invitation Letter and peruse past papers here.

To aid preparation, we have also included a set of guidelines about the content of AstroChallenge, as well as the full syllabus inside the invitational letter. In addition, the math and physics expectations for the AC2018 document has also been uploaded for your reference. Should you have any enquiries, please email us at astrochallenge@gmail.com.

Last but not least, do like our facebook page for future updates on AC2018!

Regards,
Organising Committee
AstroChallenge 2018

AstroChallenge 2016 Post Mortem and Solutions (*Updates*)

The Post Mortem and solutions to the papers in AstroChallenge 2016 have been posted in the “More Information on AstroChallenge” tab. We hope that these solutions can provide you better insights and clarify any doubts you might have with regards to the questions.

The organising committee of AstroChallenge 2016 also hope that you have enjoyed the event. Sincere well wishes to you and your future endeavors.

Should there be any further feedback or inquiries with regards to AstroChallenge, please feel free to email us at astrochallenge@gmail.com

*An error has been discovered in the solutions to the Senior MCQ Paper. Corrections have been made to the provided solutions and the Top Scorers of the Senior MCQ Paper. Our sincere apologies for any inconvenience caused.*

Update (20/4/2016): We have removed the requirement for indemnity form having been notified that by MOE directive, students are not allowed to take part in activities that requires them to sign indemnity.

Invitation to AC2016

We are pleased to invite you to take part in AstroChallenge 2016, Singapore’s largest astronomy competition! Prospective participants may view the Invitation Letter and peruse past papers here.

To aid preparation, we have also included a set of guidelines about the content of AstroChallenge, as well as the full syllabus. Should you have any enquiries, please email us at astrochallenge@gmail.com.